Allergies have long been among the most common conditions affecting dogs and cats protected by Trupanion. But now, we’re seeing an even higher number of allergy-related claims. 

Our team of veterinarians and data scientists found that over the last five years, the number of allergy-related claims has increased by 7% nationwide. And by as much as 35% in some states. 

“Pets can develop allergies just like people can. And also like people, they can be allergic to a very wide variety of things both inside and outside of the house, or in their food,” says Trupanion General Manager and Veterinarian, Dr. Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M Infotech CVA ACVCHM 

Key Findings among Trupanion Pets 

States with the Biggest Increase in Pet Allergy Claims 

New York, Massachusetts and Texas have had the biggest increases in allergy claims. Allergy claims increased by 35% in New York, 35% in Massachusetts and 34% in Texas. 

The Seasonal Trend Behind Pet Allergies 

People tend to think of allergy season as being in springtime, but Trupanion’s veterinarians and data scientists found that allergy-related claims spike twice per year – during late spring/early summer (May – July) and then again when colder weather hits in October. 

It’s close, but over the last five years, October has had more pet allergy claims than any other month. On average there were nearly 29 allergy claims for every 1,000 pets during October, compared with 21 allergy claims per 1,000 pets in September. 

Months with the Most Pet Allergy Claims 

Dog and Cat Breeds with the Most Allergy Claims 

Among Trupanion insured pets, dogs are far more likely than cats to be treated for allergies. Over the period analyzed, Trupanion found that there were 8x as many allergy-related dog claims as cat claims. 

"Allergies tend to have a genetic component, so certain breeds are known to have a higher tendency to have allergies,” says Dr. Rose. "There are also physical factors which can make the signs harder to notice and the allergies harder to treat, such as skin folds and floppy ears.” 

Skin folds and floppy ears trap moisture, creating an environment that promotes skin and ear infections. Similarly, brachycephalic breeds, or breeds with short snouts and flat faces, have facial wrinkles that can exacerbate skin allergy symptoms and cause additional discomfort.  

Trupanion Dog Breeds with the Most Allergy Claims: 

How to Tell if Your Pet Has Allergies 

There are a few signs and symptoms to watch out for if you suspect your pet has skin allergies or an ear infection. 

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Allergies: 

Signs and Symptoms of Ear Infections:  

How to Treat Allergies in Your Pet 

By working closely with their veterinarian, pet parents can successfully manage their pet’s allergies, reduce secondary infections, and give them a perfectly comfortable life with minimal symptoms. 

Ways to Manage Pet Allergies 

Since pet allergies are a lifelong condition, treating them can be quite expensive. That’s why it’s best to purchase quality pet insurance when your pet is young, before any pre-existing conditions can develop.  

Get a Quick Quote for Pet Insurance

Our veterinarians and data scientists found that the average cost of treating allergies adds up to approximately $2,118 for dogs, and $771 for cats, over the pet’s lifetime. 

About truInsights 

The data presented in this report is part of Trupanion’s truInsights initiative. truInsights is a data focused initiative introduced by Trupanion and designed to deliver valuable health-related data and insights to pet parents, veterinarians and pet lovers alike. With over 20 years of pet health data, Trupanion has explored its veterinary invoice data from more than two million pets and provides details on data trends, as well as prevention tips for keeping our pets safe. 

About Trupanion 

Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Puerto Rico and Australia with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet's recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "TRUP". The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. For more information, please visit trupanion.com. 

 
Methodology 

For this study Trupanion looked at allergy and otitis claims made by Trupanion members going back to 2020. Percentages were adjusted to account for an increase in the number of Trupanion insured pets.